Copyright Athlon Sports
Highlights ESPN’s Rece Davis suggested that Jimbo Fisher could emerge as a sleeper candidate for LSU’s newly open head coaching job Monday. Fisher, who won national titles at both LSU (as OC) and Florida State, maintains a close relationship with LSU athletic director Scott Woodward. Though political challenges could complicate a reunion, Davis believes Fisher’s track record and ties to Baton Rouge keep him in the conversation. The LSU head coaching job has quickly become one of the hottest openings in college football, and ESPN’s Rece Davis thinks one familiar name could quietly reenter the mix. On the latest “College GameDay Podcast,” Davis floated the idea of former Texas A&M head coach Jimbo Fisher as a potential “sleeper” candidate for the position. Fisher, who was fired by the Aggies in 2023 with a $77 million buyout, has reportedly been eager to return to coaching. “Things can change over time,” Davis said. “But do you know who the athletic director at LSU loves? … He has loved him since he was the offensive coordinator at LSU under Nick Saban years and years ago.” That connection between Fisher and LSU athletic director Scott Woodward is key. Woodward hired Fisher at Texas A&M in 2017, and his eventual move to Baton Rouge even prompted the Aggies to extend Fisher’s massive contract in an effort to keep him. Fisher’s résumé is as proven as it is polarizing: a 128–48 career record, a national championship at Florida State, and a previous title as LSU’s offensive coordinator in 2003. Davis acknowledged that hiring him could be “politically untenable” given Woodward’s previous role in Fisher’s A&M tenure, but added that some in Louisiana “wouldn’t balk” at a reunion. Fisher, for his part, has made it clear he misses the sidelines. “Just because I have money doesn’t mean I don’t want to coach,” he told reporter Ross Dellenger recently. As LSU begins its high-profile search, Fisher may not be the most obvious candidate, but as Davis hinted, he’s one the Tigers can’t be counted out from entirely. LSU will be in action on Saturday, Nov. 8 as they travel to take on Alabama. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET on ABC.
